Micro-credits for Baru Island entrepreneurs

Oneida is originally from “Palacio” a small town in Sucre, far away from Cartagena. She defines herself as a strong, brave and fighter woman.

She lived in her hometown until she was 16. Then, she decided to move to Cartagena searching for an opportunity. In Cartagena, Oneida started working with a family helping them with the housework.

She met a boy and after 3 years of being together, they decided to move to Baru, where his family lived.

Oneida says that when she first arrived to Baru, she found it really similar to “Palacio” because of its friendly and welcoming people. But in Baru, she noticed an “air of progress” that convinced her to stay.

A few months later, Oneida found out she was pregnant. Her father in law wanted to help them, so he built them a small room and gave them some kilograms of rice, sugar beans, coffee as well as eggs and cooking oil, so that they could sell them and find a way of living.

This is how her store started 17 years ago. Today it has an independent space from the other house’s rooms, sells about 100 products and is called “Los hermanos Castro” or “The Castro brothers” in honor to their 3 children.

Oneida looks back and she realizes it hasn’t been an easy way, but despite all the difficulties she feels that their business is solid and that she has learned how to manage it. She is confident that their store will help them finish the second floor of their house and pay for their children studies in University.

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